Bishop Noll Band Rehearses Virtually Amid Coronavirus Shutdown

HAMMOND, IN — The spread of the new coronavirus may have prevented large school events, like band and choir concerts, from taking place in their traditional form this spring but at least one high school musical group in the area isn't letting the pandemic get in their way of their preparation. The band and choir at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond has begun virtual rehearsals, with members signing on Zoom from home to take part in multiple practices every week.

"We rehearse two days a week for choir and three for band," said Rocco Carioto, director of the band and choir at Bishop Noll.

On Easter Sunday, Carioto said the band and choir teamed to put together a music video to Michael Jackson's "Heal the World" song.

“I was skeptical at first but once we got used to the rehearsal procedure it was wonderful," said Bishop Noll senior Angel Trevino, who plays the clarinet in band. "It also gave us purpose and a special gift for Easter, a light for people that things will get better.”

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It took a little while to adapt to the new rehearsal format, both Carioto and his students say. But with Zoom rehearsals now running smoothly, the band and choir remain on track to present their annual spring concert on May 31 at 6 p.m. The only change from years past will be that this year's concert will be performed virtually and streamed live on the Bishop Noll Fine Arts Facebook page instead of in front of a large audience at the school auditorium.

“I've had to be creative and learn on the job on the best way to run rehearsals and with the patience, suggestions and diligence of the band and choir we have been very successful," Carioto said.

Senior choir member Griffin Gomez said “once Mr. Carioto perfected the rehearsal procedure it was fun and I heard from many people who were amazed that our program was able to continue without skipping a beat and we're thankful for lifting up their spirits.”

Adapting to change, Trevino added, "has made us a better band and proves we can persevere through anything."

Rehearsing and preparing for a spring concert remotely is just the latest obstacle the Noll band and choir have overcome. In less than a decade, Carioto — an alum of Marist High School in Chicago and former assistant band director under the legend Frank Manna — has turned Bishop Noll from a school that didn't even have a band to one with one of the largest high school musical presences in the Chicagoland area.

“This opens up an entirely new and innovative way we can learn, prepare and prepare music for our students here at Noll,” Carioto said.